Snowmobiler dies near Lumby

Lumby, and back country enthusiasts are mourning the loss of a friend, father and husband who lived and breathed snowmobiling.

“Our club president Travis Squair passed away Sunday in a snowmobile accident,” the Lumby/Mabel Lake Snowmobile Association states. “Our hearts are in shock and our tears haven’t stopped. He was an amazing man.”

On March 4, police received an emergency spot activation in the backcountry area of Mabel Lake, near Lumby, for a man who reportedly lost control of his snowmobile and landed in a creek. The man was with a group of friends at the time of the incident, who attempted to assist the man, however he died as a result of his injuries.

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP continue to work closely with the BC Coroners Service following the incident, which saw Vernon Search and Rescue involved.

“Sadly, despite the efforts of those performing CPR on scene, the male succumbed to his injuries,” said Cst. Kelly Brett. “This tragic event serves as yet another reminder of the risks associated to backcountry sports, regardless of your level of expertise and training.”

The 30-year-old Lumby resident leaves behind his wife and young daughter, along with his parents, brothers and sister and all who knew, and loved, him.

“He was a dedicated family man and had the biggest heart of anyone I knew,” the snowmobile club Facebook post reads. “He lived and breathed snowmobiling and you could see that every time he rode.”

The club is looking at possibly setting up an RESP account for Squair’s young daughter.

It was just announced on Thursday that Squair has been nominated for the B.C. Snowmobile Federation’s Snowmobiler of the Year award. The awards gala takes place March 24 in Revelstoke.

Squair’s death is non suspicious in nature and the RCMP continue to work with the BC Coroners Service on the investigation.

It is also the second snowmobile incident in Lumby in less than a week. Search and Rescue crews air lifted the seriously injured snowmobiler out of the Park/Nelson mountain area Feb. 28. See Injured snowmobiler rescued near Lumby